On November 14, 2018, my wife mentioned that our neighbors were interested in me taking some family photos that they could use for their Christmas cards. The Fall colors were quickly fading, and the upcoming weekend weather was uncertain, but this would be worth a try.

Early last week, Patty asked me if I would take some family photos for a work friend whose husband was being deployed to the Middle East right after Thanksgiving. I had taken their photos before, and I was looking forward to seeing what I could improve upon.

On October 8, 2018, I was contacted by the managers of the local Fairfax Falcons sports team, asking if I would be interested in photographing their upcoming basketball tournament. Having shot one of the Falcon’s practices the previous Spring, I knew that this could be another chance to use photography to help young people to see their own potential.

On September 14, 2018 the Director of Therapy Services at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute invited me to take photos at the Maryland Crab Pot V wheelchair rugby tournament, which would take place on October 27-28, 2018. I’ve been heavily involved in organized sports my whole life, as a player for nearly 50 years, also as a coach and referee, and now as a photographer. I have seen, and have personally experienced, how participation in sports can help people discover the strengths that they possess. Now as a photographer I get a chance to capture the moments that demonstrate those strengths, and leave players with ongoing reminders of them. Needless to say, I accepted her invitation.

My wife of 35 years graduated from McLean High School in 1978 (We met at Virginia Tech in February 1979.). While helping to plan her 40-year high school reunion, she offered me up to take photos at their reunion dinner.

In mid-August, I was contacted by the team captain for the NoVA Mutiny wheelchair (“quad”) rugby team. He asked me if I would be willing to take some promotional shots that he could use to advertise what the team was up to, in particular, to help attract sponsors, as the Fall season was just starting. This is a great cause, and one that I enjoy supporting. Therefore, it was a no-brainer!

On January 15, 2018, I received an email from the Director of Student Activities at Annandale High School, asking if I would be interested in being the photographer for their very first Athletic Hall of Fame banquet, to take place early the following school year. It sounded like a great way to learn something about, and help to preserve, the athletic history in the area where I grew up. And at the same time it would give me more experience shooting event photography.

It is that time again, when school starts, and the Annandale Atoms hit the field, the course, the court, the track, the mat, the stage, and hopefully the books. Here are a few photos to remind them of the experience.